Quality of Life (QoL) is significantly lower in autistic children and their families than those of typically developing children (van Heijst, & Geurts, 2014; Eapen et al, 2014; Lee et al, 2008).
However, specialist approaches to improving QoL outcomes can increase health and well-being.
Termly Quality of Life questionnaire
At Swalcliffe Park School, we have developed a framework and approach that includes the use of a termly QoL in autism questionnaire developed by Prof Eapen et al (2014) to hear student and family voices on the issues of importance to them.
Our approach also includes weekly ‘keyworking’ sessions for students and weekly contact with families; in conjunction with questionnaire results, these are used to set termly QoL targets and tailor the curriculum and therapeutic support.
Data from 533 questionnaires
Data from 533 questionnaire responses over three years show the impact of QoL on the lives of students. These were taken from pre-admission, then over the subsequent three years.
Findings illustrate a general increase in QoL, with scores significantly increased from pre-admission level to the seventh and eighth term, highlighting the time that transitions can take to come into effect.
Contributors to Quality of Life
Adjusting to new routines, forming friendships among peers, accessing professional support and integrating into a community were all identified as contributing to improvements in QoL.
These benefits were most apparent in the second and third year, which may suggest a time threshold for students to fully reap the benefits of the approach.
Proven benefits of our approach
Overall, our research shows that there are proven benefits for students and families as a result of the ‘QoL’ approach.
Please get in touch with us
For more information about this study or our QoL approach, please visit our website www.swalcliffepark.co.uk and YouTube channel, or contact Kiran at khingorani@swalcliffepark.co.uk.
Swalcliffe Park School, Swalcliffe, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 5EP
